Cassiel Ato Forson announces US$13 billion trade surplus in 2027 budget

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that Ghana recorded a trade surplus of US$13 billion, marking a significant milestone in the country's economic management. Presenting the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on November 12, 2026, the Minister highlighted the strengthening of Ghana's external position. This surplus reflects the government's efforts to balance trade and boost domestic production under the leadership of President John Mahama.

Alongside the trade surplus, Dr. Forson revealed that Ghana’s gross international reserves have climbed to US$12.1 billion. This accumulation of foreign exchange provides a critical buffer for the national currency and enhances the country's ability to meet external obligations. The Minister attributed these fiscal improvements to a strategic combination of disciplined expenditure and a favorable environment for export-led growth during the current fiscal year.

The Minister further noted that the financial sector's resilience was bolstered by specific monetary interventions that supported the broader economy. A reduction in the monetary policy rate played a pivotal role in easing borrowing costs, which in turn stimulated a notable increase in private sector credit. By making capital more accessible to Ghanaian businesses, the government has fostered an environment where local enterprises can expand, contributing to the overall trade balance.

These developments are central to the 2027 Budget’s broader goals of maintaining macroeconomic stability and driving industrial growth. As the Mahama administration continues its term, the focus remains on leveraging these reserves and trade gains to insulate the economy from global volatility. The reported figures suggest a positive trajectory for Ghana’s financial health as the government prepares to implement the next phase of its economic policy.